James Akinjo Bio
James Olusiji Akinjo Jr. is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League. He was born on November 27, 2000, in Oakland, California, and developed into one of the more experienced guards in the developmental league after a decorated three-college career. A point guard listed at 6 feet 1 inch and 190 pounds, Akinjo has earned recognition at multiple levels, including Third-team All-American and First-team All-Big 12 honors. After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, he began his professional career with the Westchester Knicks and has since played for several G League affiliates.
Early Life and Background
James Olusiji Akinjo Jr. grew up in the Las Deltas Housing projects in North Richmond, California, a neighborhood that presented significant challenges during his childhood. He was raised primarily by his grandmother, Roberta Stevenson, after his mother, Monique Divers, passed away from leukemia when he was a toddler. When Akinjo was 13 years old, his brother also died, and many of his childhood friends were lost to violence. His father, who is only 16 years older than him, and his uncle were both imprisoned or jailed during his early years, leaving his grandmother as the central figure in his upbringing.
From a young age, Akinjo aspired to become a basketball player and drew inspiration from NBA star Chris Paul. At age 11, he was featured in the East Bay Times, which described him as a basketball prodigy. He attended Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond, California, where he was coached by Bill Mellis. As a freshman, he stood 5 feet 8 inches tall but experienced a significant growth spurt that helped him develop into a Division I prospect.
Path to Basketball
Akinjo blossomed into a four-star recruit during his time at Salesian College Prep. At the 2017 MLK Classic, he scored 29 points in a 45–36 win over St. John Bosco-Bellflower, signaling his arrival on the national scene. As a senior, he averaged 20.7 points and 5.2 assists per game, leading his team to a 30–2 record and a CIF North Coast Section Division III title. He originally committed to UConn, but after the firing of head coach Kevin Ollie, he switched his commitment to Georgetown, beginning his college career in the Big East Conference.
James Akinjo Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Akinjo made an immediate impact at Georgetown during his freshman season in 2018–19. On November 19, 2018, he earned his first Big East Conference Freshman of the Week honors after averaging 14.3 points and 4.7 assists per game across three contests. He made a three-pointer with 4.9 seconds left in regulation to force overtime in a 76–73 win over South Florida and scored a season-high 25 points in a 102–94 victory over Arkansas–Little Rock. He matched that career high on March 9, 2019, scoring 25 points with five three-pointers in an 86–84 win over 16th-ranked Marquette.
At the end of his freshman season, Akinjo was named Big East Freshman of the Year and was a unanimous selection to the Big East All-Freshman Team. He averaged 13.4 points, 5.2 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game across the year, establishing himself as one of the premier young guards in college basketball.
Arizona Wildcats Era (2020–2021)
After a brief sophomore campaign at Georgetown, Akinjo entered the transfer portal on December 2, 2019, alongside several other Hoyas players. He committed to Arizona on January 1, 2020, and was granted a waiver for immediate eligibility on September 1. As a junior for the Wildcats, he averaged 15.6 points and 5.4 assists per game, earning First Team All-Pac-12 honors. His strong play helped re-establish him as an NBA prospect.
On March 31, 2021, Akinjo declared for the 2021 NBA draft with the possibility of returning to school. He ultimately chose to transfer to Baylor, giving him one final collegiate season to refine his game.
Baylor Bears Era (2021–2022)
Akinjo quickly became a key contributor for the Baylor Bears. On December 28, 2021, he scored a career-high 27 points and added nine assists in a 104–68 win against Northwestern State, showcasing his scoring and playmaking ability. He missed a game against West Virginia on January 18, 2022, due to an injured tailbone but returned to action. His strong senior season was recognized when he was named to the First Team All-Big 12.
His efforts at Baylor also earned him Third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, USBWA, NABC, and SN, capping one of the more decorated multi-school college careers in recent memory.
Westchester Knicks Era (2022–2023)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Akinjo was signed by the Atlanta Hawks for the 2022 NBA Summer League. On October 14, 2022, he signed with the New York Knicks, though he was waived the following day. He joined the Westchester Knicks training camp roster on October 23 and spent his rookie professional season developing with the Knicks’ G League affiliate.
Stockton Kings Era (2023–2024)
On September 14, 2023, Akinjo’s rights were traded to the Stockton Kings, and on September 29, he signed with the Sacramento Kings before being waived the same day. He was named to the opening night roster for Stockton Kings on November 9, 2023, beginning his first full season with the Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate.
Wisconsin Herd Era (2024–2025)
Akinjo was traded to the Wisconsin Herd on February 6, 2024. On August 27, 2024, he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, though he was waived on October 21. He re-joined the Herd on October 28, 2024, and continued his development within the Bucks’ system throughout the 2024–25 season.
Grand Rapids Gold Era (2025–Present)
On August 26, 2025, Akinjo was traded to the Grand Rapids Gold in exchange for the returning player rights to Will Richardson and a 2026 first-round pick. On October 14, 2025, he was signed by the Denver Nuggets to an Exhibit 10 contract, though he was waived two days later. He was later named the NBA G League Next Up Game MVP in 2026, highlighting his continued growth as a professional.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the signature moments of Akinjo’s career are his late-game three-pointer to force overtime against South Florida as a freshman, his career-high 27-point performance against Northwestern State at Baylor, and his selection as the NBA G League Next Up Game MVP. His transition through three major college programs and four G League franchises stands as a testament to his perseverance.
James Akinjo Career Wins
James Olusiji Akinjo Jr. has compiled a series of individual accolades across high school, college, and the professional ranks, even as team championships have been limited. His recognition as a Third-team All-American, two First-team all-conference selections, and Big East Freshman of the Year highlight his consistent excellence.
High School and College Highlights
As a senior at Salesian College Prep, Akinjo led his team to a 30–2 record and a CIF North Coast Section Division III title. His freshman Big East Freshman of the Year award, First-team All-Pac-12 selection at Arizona, and First-team All-Big 12 honor at Baylor underscore his success across multiple competitive conferences.
Other Wins and Performances
Akinjo earned MVP honors at the NBA G League Next Up Game in 2026, one of the league’s marquee showcase events. His steady production across multiple G League stops has positioned him as a reliable veteran guard within the developmental ranks.
James Akinjo Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Akinjo’s father played basketball for McClymonds High School in Oakland, California, in the late 1990s, giving the younger Akinjo a direct family connection to the game. Raised largely by his grandmother Roberta Stevenson after the loss of his mother, Akinjo’s story is rooted in family resilience and a deep Oakland-area basketball tradition.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year marked a transitional chapter for James Olusiji Akinjo Jr., beginning with his time in the Wisconsin Herd system and culminating in a trade to the Grand Rapids Gold on August 26, 2025. He was later signed by the Denver Nuggets to an Exhibit 10 contract in October 2025, providing a brief window with the parent club before returning to the G League roster.
His MVP performance in the NBA G League Next Up Game in 2026 underscored his momentum heading into the next phase of his career. As a veteran guard with three collegiate programs and four G League franchises on his resume, Akinjo continues to pursue his goal of earning a sustained NBA opportunity.